Multi-path Mitigation Processor for RF Tracking Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF-based identification and location-finding systems face inaccuracies in indoor and outdoor environments due to multipath phenomena, such as RF energy reflections, especially when using narrow-bandwidth ranging signals at VHF or lower frequencies, which limits their ability to provide precise location determination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-path mitigation processor using digital signal processing and software-defined radio technologies to enhance the accuracy of RF-based tracking and locating systems, allowing operation on narrow-bandwidth signals across various frequency bands, including VHF, UHF, and higher frequencies, by employing multi-path mitigation algorithms and techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If narrow-bandwidth ranging signals are used at VHF or lower frequencies, then device portability and regulatory compliance are improved, but location accuracy deteriorates due to multipath phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful multipath reflections into beneficial information by analyzing the characteristics of reflected signals. The system identifies and processes multipath components to extract accurate location data, transforming what was previously a source of error into a useful signal for determination of precise position even in challenging RF environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of signal bandwidth from narrow to wide bandwidth to mitigate multipath effects. By using wide bandwidth ranging signals, the system achieves better resolution of multipath components and improved location accuracy while maintaining operation at VHF frequencies for portability
2Measurement precision
If spatial diversity or antenna diversity techniques are employed to mitigate multipath, then location accuracy is improved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes the multipath signal components separately from the direct line-of-sight signal. By identifying and analyzing reflected signal characteristics in the time domain, the system determines accurate location information without requiring additional antennas or spatial diversity infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple antennas (spatial diversity) with a signal processing approach (time domain analysis). Instead of physically separating antenna elements to mitigate multipath, the patent uses digital signal processing to resolve multipath components, reducing infrastructure complexity
3Measurement precision
If antenna arrays are used at VHF frequencies to mitigate multipath, then location accuracy is improved, but physical size becomes too large for portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical antenna array structure with a signal processing solution. By using wide bandwidth ranging signals and analyzing multipath components in the time domain, the system achieves accurate location determination without requiring large physical antenna structures that would be necessary at VHF frequencies
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of RF-based identification and location-finding systems, enabling precise tracking and locating capabilities in challenging environments while maintaining portability and compliance with regulatory bandwidth requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The indoor and outdoor location inaccuracies are due mainly to the physics of RF propagation, in particular, due to losses/attenuation of the RF signals, signal scattering and reflections.
Implementation Method 2
the impact of the multi-path phenomena on location-finding accuracy makes location determination less reliable and precise than required by the industry
Implementation Method 3
narrow-band ranging signal(s)
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous system with no Customer Network Investment is described, wherein the system is configurable to operate on in a band in addition to the LTE band. Such system allows the definition of hybrid operations to accommodate the positioning reference signals (PRS) of LTE and already existing reference signals. The system can operate with PRS, with other reference signals such as cell-specific reference signals (CRS), or with both signal types. As such, the system provides the advantage of allowing network operator(s) to dynamically choose between modes of operation depending on circumstances, such as network throughput and compatibility. The system further enables information collected at a network device to be processed at a locate server without involving any processing at the network device.